Belgian GP

“Brief break over, it’s straight on to the next set of races at three incredible circuits: Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and for the first time in Formula 1 – Mugello!

We’ve already had six races in a quick-fire spell and it’s clear from those that as a team we have made steps – and are still making big steps – in the right direction.

We have been more competitive in some areas than others, in terms of both qualifying form and race pace. But we are increasingly understanding our relative strengths and weaknesses in different situations.

Overall, it’s been a stride forward, rather than just a step, compared to last year’s reference point, and there’s a very positive feeling in the team that we are delivering on promises made.

It’s been good to have a week or so just to analyse things in slightly more detail and take time to refocus. I did a lot of homework after the last race in Spain, where I wasn’t as competitive as I’d have liked, and I’m looking forward to seeing if I can return to the sort of form I enjoyed at Silverstone.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar. I got to experience it in a Formula 1 car last year and even just in FP1 it felt amazing. I’ve been visiting Monza for years, in F2 and before, so that is another track I know pretty well.

Mugello is more of an unknown. I have raced there before, back in my first year in cars in 2012, and also in Formula 3 testing. From what I know, I’m expecting a very intense experience on a very, very fast track. And I can’t wait…

For a driver, another triple header is an exciting prospect but I’m very aware that it is much more challenging for the mechanics and race personnel who put in huge hours and sacrifice a lot to be away from home for so long.

After this sequence of events they will have had nine Grands Prix in just 11 weekends. Hopefully, in the coming weeks I can reward their efforts with some good results.”